Boxing Champion Mary Kom Breaks Down At Public Event, Alleges Regional Bias Against Her

Five-time World Amateur Boxing champion and Olympic bronze medallist MC Mary Kom broke down during a public event in Mumbai on Thursday, alleging regional bias against her during boxing selections and trials. The 32-year-old told journalists that there have been repeated instances of bias against her by Indian selectors but she continues to prove herself in the ring.

"I will show who I am in the ring, that's all. I don't want to fight outside the ring actually. Whether this is fair or not fair.... well sometimes I feel very upset whether some of the referees/judges are not favour to me... But I doesn't mind (sic)," she said. "Okay, I am from northeast, no problem. But I'm Indian, I'm doing well in the ring."

She has alleged that Haryana's Pinky Jangra, who competes in the same weight category as her, is being repeatedly favoured by the selectors despite being beaten by the world champion from Manipur.

"There are so many controversies. Pinky Jangra, I always defeat her and prove it to get a gold medal in every competition but they (boxing selectors) continue to support her," she said.

The London Olympics medallist was dropped from the Indian contingent at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and Jangra was chosen in her place. Pinky had beaten Mary in the trial of 51kg category before the Commonwealth Games but the Manipuri boxer claimed it was poorly judged.